Resources for Teachers

Need a few ideas to help reinforce the great things your students learned during a Winterthur school program? Need a bit of inspiration to guide your use of objects as primary sources in the classroom? Look no further! We’ve assembled some great pre-materials, and we offer workshops on a regular basis where you can try activities to use with your own students.

Pre-Visit Materials

Teachers who book a Winterthur school program receive detailed information about the program content and curriculum in their confirmation packet. A brief powerpoint presentation about the history of Winterthur is available here. Download a PDF version of the presentation, which also serves as the script, here. For tips on planning your visit, read our Field Trip Checklist.

Classroom Connections

In addition to on-site and off-site programs for teachers and schools, Winterthur also provides teachers with a quarterly e-newsletter titled Classroom Connections, which provides information on the programs we are currently offering and activities that can be integrated into classroom curriculum. Our latest in-classroom activity is related to Indian corn. Click on the following link for the activity sheet. To sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter, please visit our sign-up page.

Upcoming Teacher Workshops

Pre-registration is required for all workshops. Please call the Winterthur Information and Tours office at 302.888.4600 or 800.448.3883 to register. The cost is $15 per person for each workshop, unless otherwise noted. Winterthur Members are admitted free. Delaware teachers wishing to receive credit should also register through the Delaware Teacher Center by calling 800.282.8770. Attendance is limited.

Understanding ObjectsSaturday, March 21, 2015; 9:30 am–12:30 pmHenry Francis du Pont established Winterthur Museum in 1951 "to afford all those interested an opportunity to study the conditions surrounding early American home life." Come discover what he meant by that as you tour his labyrihthine home, practice mining objects for information, and learn how objects can serve as inspiration for far more than our studies of the past.

Empower Your Students with STEAM!Saturday, May 2, 2015; 9:30 am–12:30 pmDo you love art and science? Are you looking for new ways to share this love with your students? Meet with art conservators at the museum, participate in hands-on activities to share with your students and develop your understanding of the interdisciplinary field of art conservation, which includes hand-skills, as well as knowledge of art history and chemistry. Explore opportunties for your students that can take place in either the museum or classroom.

In addition to our workshop at Winterthur on May 2, this workshop is being offered in partnership with other institutions throughout Delware:

Hands on HistoryWednesday, July 15, 2015; 9:30 am–12:30 pmGet up close and personal with our collection during sessions featuring important objects led by Winterthur curators. Learn about Paul Revere's skill as a silversmith, needlework made by women in Philadelphia, and presidential china.

Why Does It Matter? Exploring the Value of a Healthy EcosystemSaturday, October 3, 2015; 9:30 am–12:30 pmHealthy forests, meadows, and streams provide a host of benefits to wildlife- food, water, shelter, and a place to raise young- bug high quality natural lands are good for people, too! They give us clean water, clean air, and a place to relax and connect with the natural world. Learn how Winterthur's Natural Lands team is improving the quality of our forests, meadows, and streams, and what you can do to incorporate the value of nature into your classroom.

Yuletide at WinterthurSaturday, December 5, 2015; 9:30 am–12:30 pmCome experience Winterthur in all its seasonal glory! After taking a Yuletide tour, talk with the curator who designs it each year and then engage your creativity as you make a craft that connects to the 2015 theme: Color!

Field Trip Scholarship Application

Through the generosity of corporate sponsors, scholarships are available to qualifying groups based on diversity of student population, percentage of students who receive free or reduced lunch, and the amount of state or federal aid the organization receives. Such financial aid can cover off-site program costs, student admission fees, and transportation costs of up to $250 per day.

E-mail the information, requested below, to kwynne@winterthur.org or send it in a letter to the School Programs Office, Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, Delaware 19735. Alternatively, fax the application letter to us at 302.888.4953.

If you prefer, you can print and fill out this application form and mail or fax it to us.

Apply as soon as possible after making your reservation. We will notify you within two days of receipt to confirm the amount of your award. Scholarships are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Requested Information

Date and title of your program

School

Address

Teacher’s e-mail address and phone number

School district

Number of students who receive free or reduced lunches

Amount of state/federal aid your organization receives

Name or person or group who usually pays for museum programs or trips

Whether you are applying for transportation funding and the estimated amount needed.